Stable high-load herbicidal compositions comprising mixed amine oxides

ABSTRACT

Herbicidal compositions comprising mixed amine oxides and aminophosphate or aminophosphonate salts, in particular, to herbicidal compositions comprising mixed amine oxides and high-load aminophosphate or aminophosphonate potassium salts, wherein the composition has low temperature stability (i.e., no or unobservable crystal formation) among other beneficial properties.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application Ser.No. 62/203,444 filed Aug. 11, 2015, herein incorporated by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates to stable agricultural herbicide compositions,comprising mixed amine oxides.

BACKGROUND

Herbicidally active glyphosate compositions are known and arecommercially available in the form of ammonium, isopropylamine and othersalts. These herbicidal compositions are generally applied to weeds andunwanted vegetation in the form of an aqueous formulation containing avariety of adjuvants including for example wetting agents, surfactants,dispersants, anti-foam agents, humectants, and the like. The activity ofthe glyphosate composition may be improved considerably by the carefulchoice of additives.

Typically, there is a desire to have a higher glyphosate concentration,as the end-user (e.g., farmer) can modify the use concentration (amountof active applied to the field) by adjusting the dilution rate, and canavoid handling much product (the higher the concentration is, the lowerthe weight is for example).

Concentrated compositions can comprise a high amount of glyphosate,water, and at least one surfactant that can be useful as a formulationaid (dispersion, dissolution and/or stability of the glyphosate inwater), and/or as a biological activator (for example increasing theefficacy the glyphosate, for example by encouraging wetting of a weed tobe eliminated, or by encouraging penetration of the glyphosate into theweed). The relative amounts of glyphosate, surfactant(s) and optionallyfurther ingredients may have also an effect onto the rheologicalproperties of the formulation (for example viscosity, or ability to bespread). The rheological properties of the formulation as such or upondilution are important for handling and spreading purpose.

Where the concentration of glyphosate is high, crystallization is oftena significant problem. Crystallization can occur at differenttemperatures, at different glyphosate concentrations, or when dilutingwith water, but in particular is problematic at low temperatures.Crystallization is characterized by formation of small solid particlescomprising glyphosate. These small particles can have the bad impact offilters clogging, nozzles clogging, creating unnecessary hazardous wasteproblems to dispose of the crystals, loss of activity (bioefficacy),and/or bad repartition of the active on the field.

There is a need for new compositions that address at least one of thefollowing: low temperature stability, lower cost, by using lower costingredients (the aminophosphate or aminophosphonate salts and/or thesurfactants), better ecotoxic profile (especially lowering amounts offatty ethoxylates such as fatty amine ethoxylates), better viscosityprofile, especially at lower temperature, and/or by avoidingcrystallization, while keeping an acceptable efficacy or equivalentefficacy or even improving efficacy.

There is a continuing interest in agricultural pesticide compositions,more particularly agricultural fungicide compositions, which exhibitimproved properties.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In one aspect, described herein are aqueous herbicidal compositioncomprising:

Equal or greater than 360 g/L (ae) of an aminophosphate oraminophosphinate potassium salt;

An alkyl dimethyl amine oxide surfactant mixture of:

-   -   (i) a first alkyl dimethyl amine oxide surfactant of the        formula:        R1-N⁺(CH₃)₂—O⁻        -   wherein R1 is a linear or branched alkyl group having an            average number of carbon atoms ranging from 8 to 10 carbon            atoms; and    -   (ii) a second alkyl dimethyl amine oxide surfactant of the        formula:        R2-N⁺(CH₃)₂—O⁻        -   wherein R2 is a linear or branched alkyl group having an            average number of carbon atoms ranging from 10 to 16 carbon            atoms;    -   wherein R1 and R2 are different, and

optionally, a solvent.

In one embodiment, the composition further comprises a third alkyldimethyl amine oxide surfactant that is different from the first alkyldimethyl amine oxide surfactant and/or second alkyl dimethyl amine oxidesurfactant. The composition can, thus, comprise:

Equal or greater than 360 g/L (ae), typically, greater than 450 g/L (ae)or 540 g/L (ae), of an aminophosphate or aminophosphinate potassiumsalt;

An alkyl dimethyl amine oxide surfactant mixture of:

-   -   (i) a first alkyl dimethyl amine oxide surfactant of the        formula:        R1-N⁺(CH₃)₂—O⁻        -   wherein R1 is a linear or branched alkyl group having an            average number of carbon atoms ranging from 8 to 10 carbon            atoms;    -   (ii) a second alkyl dimethyl amine oxide surfactant of the        formula:        R2-N⁺(CH₃)₂—O⁻        -   wherein R2 is a linear or branched alkyl group having an            average number of carbon atoms of 12 carbon atoms; and    -   (iii) a third alkyl dimethyl amine oxide surfactant of the        formula: R3-N⁺(CH₃)₂—O⁻ wherein R3 is a linear or branched alkyl        group having an average number of carbon atoms ranging from 14        to 16 carbon atoms.

In one embodiment, the third alkyl dimethyl amine oxide surfactant is ofthe formula:

R3-N⁺(CH₃)₂—O⁻ wherein R3 is a linear or branched alkyl group having anaverage number of carbon atoms of 14 carbon atoms.

In one embodiment, the aminophosphate or aminophosphinate potassium saltis present at equal or greater than 450 g/L (ae), typically present atequal or greater than 540 g/L (ae).

In one embodiment, the mixture is present at equal or greater than 60g/L, or, in another embodiment, present at equal or greater than 80 g/L,or, yet in another embodiment present at equal or greater than 90 g/L,or, in a further embodiment, present at equal or greater than 100 g/L.In one embodiment, the mixture is present at equal or greater than 120g/L, or, in another embodiment, present at equal or greater than 140g/L, or, yet in another embodiment present at equal or greater than 160g/L, or, in a further embodiment, present at equal or greater than 180g/L.

In another embodiment, the mixture is present at equal or greater than30 g/L, or, in another embodiment, present at equal or greater than 40g/L.

In some embodiments, the solvent is present and comprises at least oneof propylene glycol, glycerine or ethylene glycol.

In some embodiments, the composition is stable at a temperature of equalor less than 10° C., typically equal or less than 5° C., or equal orless than 2° C., even more typically equal or less than 0° C. In otherembodiments, the composition is stable at a temperature of equal or lessthan −2° C., typically equal or less than −5° C., equal or less than−10° C., even more typically equal or less than −15° C.

In another aspect, described herein are aqueous herbicidal compositions,which comprise:

Equal or greater than 540 g/L acid equivalents (ae) of an aminophosphateor aminophosphinate potassium salt,

An alkyl dimethyl amine oxide surfactant mixture of:

-   -   (i) a first alkyl dimethyl amine oxide surfactant of formula:        R1-N⁺(CH₃)₂—O⁻        -   wherein R1 is a linear or branched alkyl group having an            average number of carbon atoms ranging of 8 carbon atoms;            and    -   (ii) a second alkyl dimethyl amine oxide surfactant of formula:        R2-N⁺(CH₃)₂—O⁻        -   wherein R2 is a linear or branched alkyl group having an            average number of carbon atoms ranging from 10 to 16 carbon            atoms; and

optionally, a solvent;

whereby the composition is stable at a temperature of equal or less than0° C.

In one embodiment, the second alkyl dimethyl amine oxide surfactant ofthe formula:R2-N⁺(CH₃)₂—O⁻

-   -   wherein R2 is a linear or branched alkyl group having an average        number of 12 carbon atoms.

In another aspect, described herein are methods for regulating plantgrowth comprising contacting any aqueous herbicidal composition, asdescribed herein, with a plant.

In another aspect, described is the use of any of the herbicidalcompositions herein for spray applying to a plant.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF INVENTION AND PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

As used herein, “liquid medium” means a medium that is in the liquidphase at a temperature of 25° C. and a pressure of one atmosphere. Theliquid medium may be a non-aqueous liquid medium or an aqueous liquidmedium.

As used herein the term “surfactant” means a compound that is capable oflowering the surface tension of water, more typically, a compoundselected from one of five classes of compounds, that is, cationicsurfactants, anionic surfactants, amphoteric surfactants, zwitterionicsurfactants, and nonionic surfactants, as well as mixtures thereof.

In one embodiment, the liquid medium is an aqueous liquid medium. Asused herein, the terminology “aqueous medium” means a single phaseliquid medium that contains more than a trace amount of water,typically, based on 100 pbw of the aqueous medium, more than 0.1 pbwwater. Suitable aqueous media more typically comprise, based on 100 pbwof the aqueous medium, greater than about 5 pbw water, even moretypically greater than 10 pbw water. In one embodiment, the aqueousemulsion comprises, based on 100 pbw of the aqueous medium, greater than40 pbw water, more typically, greater than 50 pbw water. The aqueousmedium may, optionally, further comprise water soluble or water misciblecomponents dissolved in the aqueous medium. The terminology “watermiscible” as used herein means miscible in all proportions with water.Suitable water miscible organic liquids include, for example,(C₁-C₆)alcohols, such as methanol, ethanol, propanol, and(C₁-C₆)polyols, such as glycerol, ethylene glycol, propylene glycol, anddiethylene glycol, The composition of the present invention may,optionally, further comprise one or more water insoluble or waterimmiscible components, such as a water immiscible organic liquid,wherein the combined aqueous medium and water insoluble or waterimmiscible components form a micro emulsion, or a multi-phase systemsuch as, for example, an emulsion, a suspension or a suspo-emulsion, inwhich the aqueous medium is in the form of a discontinuous phasedispersed in a continuous phase of the water insoluble or waterimmiscible component, or, more typically, the water insoluble or waterimmiscible component is in the form of a discontinuous phase dispersedin a continuous phase of the aqueous medium.

The term “glyphosate composition” is used herein to mean a herbicidalcomposition comprising as active ingredient N-phosphonomethylglycine ora herbicidally acceptable salt thereof.

In one embodiment, the composition of the present invention exhibits aviscosity of less than 10 Pa·s, more typically from about 0.1 to lessthan 10 Pa·s, and even more typically from about 0.1 to less than 5Pa·s, at a shear rate of greater than or equal to 10 s−1.

The amounts of aminophosphate or aminophosphonate salt, preferablypotassium glyphosate or gluphosinate salts, unless otherwise provided,are expressed as acid equivalents (hereinafter otherwise referred to as“ae”). The amounts of surfactants or compositions of matter are amounts“as is”, as opposed to amounts as active matter, dry amounts, or thelike, unless otherwise provided. Glyphosate refers toN-(phosphonomethyl)glycine. Gluphosinate refers to4-[hydroxy(methyl)phosphinoyl]-DL-homoalanine.

The salt, in one embodiment, is a potassium salt. Such salts are knownby the skilled in the art. They can be prepared by adding potassiumhydroxide to an acid form of the aminophosphate or aminophosphonate, forexample to acidic glyphosate. This operation is often referred to as“neutralization”. In a particular embodiment the surfactant, or a partthereof, is also added during neutralization. This is believed providinghigher stability of the compositions and/or allowing higherconcentrations of the aminophosphate or aminophosphonate potassium salt.

In one embodiment, the ratio between potassium and glyphosate is ofabout 1/1. However the ratio can of higher than 1/1. Such a ratioprovides compositions having higher pH. The higher the pH, the lower thecrystallization. pH can be also managed by using any other basiccompounds, for example buffers.

Alkyl Dimethyl Amine Oxide Surfactant Mixture

In one embodiment, the alkyl dimethyl amine oxide surfactant mixturecomprises:

-   -   (i) a first alkyl dimethyl amine oxide surfactant of the        formula:        R1-N⁺(CH₃)₂—O⁻        -   wherein R1 is a linear or branched alkyl group having an            average number of carbon atoms ranging from 8 to 10, which            in some embodiments is 8, carbon atoms; and    -   (ii) a second alkyl dimethyl amine oxide surfactant of the        formula:        R2-N⁺(CH₃)₂—O⁻        -   wherein R2 is a linear or branched alkyl group having an            average number of carbon atoms ranging from 10 to 16, which            in some embodiments is 12, carbon atoms;

wherein R1 and R2 are different.

In one embodiment, the second alkyl dimethyl amine oxide surfactant isof the formula:R2-N+(CH₃)₂—O⁻

wherein R2 is a linear or branched alkyl group having an average numberof 12 carbon atoms. In other embodiments, the second alkyl dimethylamine oxide surfactant is of the formula:R2-N+(CH₃)₂—O⁻wherein R2 is a linear or branched alkyl group having an average numberof carbon atoms ranging from 10 to 12 carbon atoms.

In another embodiment, the first alkyl dimethyl amine oxide surfactantis of the formula:R1-N⁺(CH₃)₂—O⁻wherein R1 is a linear or branched alkyl group having an average numberof 8 carbon atoms.

In another embodiment, the alkyl dimethyl amine oxide surfactant is amixture of:

-   -   (i) a first alkyl dimethyl amine oxide surfactant of formula:        R1-N⁺(CH₃)₂—O⁻        -   wherein R1 is a linear or branched alkyl group having an            average number of carbon atoms ranging of 8 carbon atoms;            and    -   (ii) a second alkyl dimethyl amine oxide surfactant of formula:        R2-N⁺(CH₃)₂—O⁻        -   wherein R2 is a linear or branched alkyl group having an            average number of carbon atoms ranging from 10 to 16 carbon            atoms; and

In one embodiment, the second alkyl dimethyl amine oxide surfactant ofthe formula:R2-N⁺(CH₃)₂—O⁻

-   -   wherein R2 is a linear or branched alkyl group having an average        number of 12 carbon atoms.

In some embodiment, the (i) first alkyl dimethyl amine oxide surfactantis present in an amount ranging from about 10 wt % to about 45 wt %,based on the weight of the alkyl dimethyl amine oxide surfactantmixture, and wherein the (ii) second alkyl dimethyl amine oxidesurfactant is present in an amount ranging from about 90 wt % to about55 wt %, based on the weight of the alkyl dimethyl amine oxidesurfactant mixture.

In some embodiments, the (i) first alkyl dimethyl amine oxide surfactantis present in an amount ranging from about 15 wt % to about 35 wt %,based on the weight of the alkyl dimethyl amine oxide surfactantmixture, and wherein the (ii) second alkyl dimethyl amine oxidesurfactant is present in an amount ranging from about 85 wt % to about65 wt %, based on the weight of the alkyl dimethyl amine oxidesurfactant mixture.

In even further embodiments, the (i) first alkyl dimethyl amine oxidesurfactant is present in an amount ranging from about 20 wt % to about30 wt %, based on the weight of the alkyl dimethyl amine oxidesurfactant mixture, and wherein the (ii) second alkyl dimethyl amineoxide surfactant is present in an amount ranging from about 80 wt % toabout 70 wt %, based on the weight of the alkyl dimethyl amine oxidesurfactant mixture.

In even further embodiments, the (i) first alkyl dimethyl amine oxidesurfactant is present in an amount ranging from about 10 wt % to about35 wt %, based on the weight of the alkyl dimethyl amine oxidesurfactant mixture, wherein the (ii) second alkyl dimethyl amine oxidesurfactant is present in an amount ranging from about 45 wt % to about70 wt %, based on the weight of the alkyl dimethyl amine oxidesurfactant mixture, and wherein the (iii) third alkyl dimethyl amineoxide surfactant is present in an amount ranging from about 15 wt % toabout 40 wt %, based on the weight of the alkyl dimethyl amine oxidesurfactant mixture.

In some additional embodiments, the (i) first alkyl dimethyl amine oxidesurfactant is present in an amount ranging from about 20 wt % to about30 wt %, based on the weight of the alkyl dimethyl amine oxidesurfactant mixture, wherein the (ii) second alkyl dimethyl amine oxidesurfactant is present in an amount ranging from about 40 wt % to about60 wt %, based on the weight of the alkyl dimethyl amine oxidesurfactant mixture, and wherein the (iii) third alkyl dimethyl amineoxide surfactant is present in an amount ranging from about 20 wt % toabout 40 wt %, based on the weight of the alkyl dimethyl amine oxidesurfactant mixture.

The herbicidal compositions as described herein are characterized by atleast one of the following properties: low temperature stability,bioefficacy, and low viscosity. The alkyl dimethyl amine oxidesurfactant mixtures as described herein can protect certain concentratedwater soluble liquid herbicide formulations from instability at lowstorage temperatures when compared to the same formulations preparedusing only discrete chain length alkyl dimethyl amine oxides such asthose having only a C12 or greater alkyl dimethyl amine chain length.The alkyl dimethyl amine oxide surfactant mixtures as described hereincan protect certain concentrated water soluble liquid herbicideformulations from instability at low storage temperatures when comparedto the same formulations containing alkyl dimethyl amine oxidesurfactant(s) having a C14 or greater chain length.

In one embodiment, the term Bioavailability or bioenhancing (BE)activity is defined as “an herbicide (or pesticide) or nutrient at alower amount (dosage level) which in combination with an adjuvantprovides more availability of the herbicide there by reducing theapplication rate of the herbicide or nutrient resulting in enhancedbioefficacy of the said herbicide. In such instance, the adjuvant, thus,enhances the bioefficacy of the herbicide when introduced into the sameherbicidal composition.

In another embodiment, the herbicidal composition as described hereinincreases the bioefficacy of certain herbicides contained in suchherbicidal composition. In other words, the adjuvant ingredients, actingsynergistically, produce a low application rate formulation (versus acomposition without such adjuvant ingredients). For example, in oneembodiment, the adjuvant ingredients comprising the alkyl dimethyl amineoxide surfactant mixture as described herein enhance the bioefficacy ofthe herbicide such that lower amounts are needed (i.e., lowerapplication rate) versus a herbicide composition without such alkyldimethyl amine oxide surfactant mixture.

In practice, similar ingredients are added to the spray mixtureseparately, at much higher rates. Using the adjuvant blend components inone spray formulation, at an applicable spray rate, provides aconvenient and time-saving combination for farmers. As described herein,in one embodiment, the herbicidal composition increases spray retention,and/or prevents pesticide antagonism from salts in the spray water,and/or enhances leaf penetration by providing a lipophilic andhydrophilic environment. In one embodiment, the effective amount ofherbicide is about 1% of the spray mixture volume. In one embodiment,the effective amount of herbicide means about 0.5% of the spray mixturevolume. In one embodiment, the effective amount of herbicide means about2% of the spray mixture volume. In one embodiment, the effective amountof herbicide means about 1.5% of the spray mixture volume. In oneembodiment, the effective amount of herbicide means about 0.9% of thespray mixture volume.

Ammonium sulfate may also be a useful adjuvant compound to achieve waterconditioning effects. As a matter of fact, ammonium sulfate is known toreduce the effect of the hard water ions (especially calcium andmagnesium ions) on the efficacy of some pesticides such as weak acidherbicides (like glyphosate).

The mixtures of alkyl dimethyl amine oxides used in the presentinvention also help to maintain low-temperature viscosity of thefinished herbicide formulations at more desirable levels for handlingand use, compared to formulations prepared using discrete alkyldimethylamine oxides.

In one embodiment, the herbicide compositions as described hereinmaintain a viscosity of less than 200 Centipoise (cP) at a temperatureat or less than 20° C., 15° C. or 10° C. In one embodiment, theherbicide compositions as described herein maintain a viscosity of lessthan 300 Centipoise (cP) at a temperature at or less than 20° C., 15° C.or 10° C. In one embodiment, the herbicide compositions as describedherein maintain a viscosity of less than 250 Centipoise (cP) at atemperature at or less than 20° C., 15° C. or 10° C.

In one embodiment, the herbicide compositions as described hereinmaintain a viscosity of less than 200 Centipoise (cP) at a temperatureat or less than 0° C. In one embodiment, the herbicide compositions asdescribed herein maintain a viscosity of less than 300 Centipoise (cP)at a temperature at or less than 0° C. In one embodiment, the herbicidecompositions as described herein maintain a viscosity of less than 250Centipoise (cP) at a temperature at or less than 0° C.

In one embodiment, the herbicide compositions as described hereinmaintain a viscosity of less than 200 Centipoise (cP) at a temperatureat or less than 5° C. In one embodiment, the herbicide compositions asdescribed herein maintain a viscosity of less than 300 Centipoise (cP)at a temperature at or less than 5° C. In one embodiment, the herbicidecompositions as described herein maintain a viscosity of less than 250Centipoise (cP) at a temperature at or less than 5° C.

In one embodiment, the herbicide compositions as described hereinmaintain a viscosity of less than 200 Centipoise (cP) at a temperatureat or less than −5° C. In one embodiment, the herbicide compositions asdescribed herein maintain a viscosity of less than 300 Centipoise (cP)at a temperature at or less than −5° C. In one embodiment, the herbicidecompositions as described herein maintain a viscosity of less than 250Centipoise (cP) at a temperature at or less than −5° C.

In one embodiment, the herbicide compositions as described hereinmaintain a viscosity of less than 200 Centipoise (cP) at a temperatureat or less than −10° C. In one embodiment, the herbicide compositions asdescribed herein maintain a viscosity of less than 300 Centipoise (cP)at a temperature at or less than −10° C. In one embodiment, theherbicide compositions as described herein maintain a viscosity of lessthan 250 Centipoise (cP) at a temperature at or less than −10° C.

In one embodiment, the herbicide compositions as described hereinexhibit no crystallization at a temperature at or less than 20° C. Inone embodiment, the herbicide compositions as described herein exhibitno crystallization at a temperature at or less than 15° C. In oneembodiment, the herbicide compositions as described herein exhibit nocrystallization at a temperature at or less than 10° C. In oneembodiment, the herbicide compositions as described herein exhibit nocrystallization at a temperature at or less than 5° C. In oneembodiment, the herbicide compositions as described herein exhibit nocrystallization at a temperature at or less than 0° C. In oneembodiment, the herbicide compositions as described herein exhibit nocrystallization at a temperature at or less than −5° C. In oneembodiment, the herbicide compositions as described herein exhibit nocrystallization at a temperature at or less than −10° C.

Use of the subject surfactant combinations as in-package formulationadjuvants allows for large-scale production of highly concentrated watersoluble herbicide salt formulations, such as the alkali metal salts ofN-phosphonomethylglycine (commonly called glyphosate acid). Depending onthe specific mixture of alkyl chain lengths employed and their relativeratios, it is possible to load the herbicide formulation with higherconcentrations of the active ingredient salts than are currentlycommercially marketed. Higher active ingredient loadings are favoredsince it reduces transportation and warehousing costs and allows eachpackage to treat more surface area.

In one embodiment, the mixture is present at equal or greater than 60g/L, or, in another embodiment, present at equal or greater than 80 g/L,or, yet in another embodiment present at equal or greater than 90 g/L,or, in a further embodiment, present at equal or greater than 100 g/L.In one embodiment, the mixture is present at equal or greater than 120g/L, or, in another embodiment, present at equal or greater than 140g/L, or, yet in another embodiment present at equal or greater than 160g/L, or, in a further embodiment, present at equal or greater than 180g/L.

In some embodiments, the composition is stable at a temperature of equalor less than 10° C., typically equal or less than 5° C., or equal orless than 2° C., even more typically equal or less than 0° C. In otherembodiments, the composition is stable at a temperature of equal or lessthan −2° C., typically equal or less than −5° C., equal or less than−10° C., even more typically equal or less than −15° C. In this context,stability means minimal or no crystal formation at said low temperature.In another embodiment, stability means reduced formulation viscosity atsaid low temperature.

In one embodiment, the herbicidal compositions as described herein,optionally, contain a solvent or blend of solvents. In one embodiment,the solvent is a polar solvent. In another embodiment, the solvent iswater-miscible. The solvent includes, but is not limited to, one or amixture of: a water-miscible glycol ether, a water-miscible polyhydricalcohol (e.g., glycerine or propylene glycol) ether, a water-misciblealcohol, a water-miscible ketone, a water-miscible aldehyde, awater-miscible acetate.

In some embodiments, the solvent is present in the herbicidalcomposition and comprises at least one of propylene glycol, glycerine orethylene glycol.

Other solvents (or solvent blends include at least one of the following)include: N-methyl-pyrrolidone (NMP, can be further identified forexample with CAS number 872-50-4), diester solvents, propylenecarbonate, acetophenone, ethylene glycol butyl ether, diethylene glycolbutyl ether, methoxy methyl butanol, propylene glycol methyl ether,dipropylene glycol methyl ether, gamma-butyrolactone, dimethyl formamide(DMF), furfuryl alcohol, tetrahydrofuryl alcohol, neopentyl glycol,hexadiols, hexylene glycol, glycol ether amines, ethylene glycolmonoacetate.

Examples of diester solvents have the following formula:R1OOC—(CH2)n-COOR2,

wherein R1 and R2, which are identical or different, are C1-C10,typically C1-C6, linear or branched, alkyl, aryl, alkaryl or arylalkylgroups, and n is an average number of from 2 to 4.

In one embodiment, the diester solvent(s) is a blend of dibasic estersderived from by-products in the reaction, synthesis and/or production ofhexamethylenediamine utilized in the production of polyamide, typicallypolyamide 6,6. The diester solvent(s), in one embodiment, comprises ablend of dialkyl esters of adipic diacids, methylglutaric diacids, andethylsuccinic diacids (herein referred to sometimes as “MGA”, “MGN”,“MGN blend” or “MGA blend”).

In certain embodiments, the dibasic ester blend comprises:

a diester of formula I:

a diester of formula II:

and

a diester of formula III:

R1 and/or R2 can individually comprise a hydrocarbon having from about 1to about 8 carbon atoms, typically, methyl, ethyl, propyl, isopropyl,butyl, isobutyl, n-butyl, isoamyl, hexyl, heptyl or octyl. In suchembodiments, the blend typically comprises (by weight of the blend) (i)about 15% to about 35% of the diester of formula I, (ii) about 55% toabout 70% of the diester of formula II, and (iii) about 7% to about 20%of the diester of formula III, and more typically, (i) about 20% toabout 28% of the diester of formula I, (ii) about 59% to about 67% ofthe diester of formula II, and (iii) about 9% to about 17% of thediester of formula III. The blend is generally characterized by a flashpoint of 98° C., a vapor pressure at 20° C. of less than about 10 Pa,and a distillation temperature range of about 200-300° C.

In certain other embodiments, the dibasic ester blend comprises:

a diester of the formula IV:

a diester of the formula V:

and, optionally,

a diester of the formula VI:

R1 and/or R2 can individually comprise a hydrocarbon having from about 1to about 8 carbon atoms, typically, methyl, ethyl, propyl, isopropyl,butyl, isobutyl, n-butyl, isoamyl, hexyl, heptyl, or octyl. In suchembodiments, the blend typically comprises (by weight of the blend) (i)from about 5% to about 30% of the diester of formula IV, (ii) from about70% to about 95% of the diester of formula V, and (iii) from about 0% toabout 10% of the diester of formula VI. More typically, the blendtypically comprises (by weight of the blend): (i) from about 6% to about12% of the diester of formula IV, (ii) from about 86% to about 92% ofthe diester of formula V, and (iii) from about 0.5% to about 4% of thediester of formula VI.

Most typically, the blend comprises (by weight of the blend): (i) about9% of the diester of formula IV, (ii) about 89% of the diester offormula V, and (iii) about 1% of the diester of formula VI. The blend isgenerally characterized by a flash point of 98° C., a vapor pressure at20° C. of less than about 10 Pa, and a distillation temperature range ofabout 200-275° C.

In another aspect, described herein are methods for regulating plantgrowth comprising contacting any aqueous herbicidal composition, asdescribed herein, with a plant.

In another aspect, described is the use of any of the herbicidalcompositions herein for spray applying to a plant.

Additional Components

The herbicidal composition as described herein can, in otherembodiments, comprise additional components such as: surfactantsdifferent from the alkyl dimethyl amine oxide surfactant mixture,anti-foaming agents, solvents (e.g., water miscible solvent, polarsolvents, and the like), deposition control agents such as anti-reboundor anti-drift agents. In one embodiment, such additional components areoptionally added after the initial formulation step.

In one particular embodiment, the herbicidal compositions describedherein contain (i) an alkyl dimethyl amine oxide surfactant mixture and(ii) a surfactant which is not an alkyl dimethyl amine oxide surfactant.In one embodiment, the surfactant chosen from at least one or a mixtureof: a cationic surfactant, an anionic surfactant, a nonionic surfactant,a zwitterionic surfactant and an amphoteric surfactant. This additional(ii) surfactant, in some embodiments, can provide further advantages orsynergies in term of costs, and/or bioefficacy, and/or rheologymanagement, and/or environment concerns.

Some non-limiting examples of additional surfactants include at leastone of: an ethoxylated fatty amine; a fatty amine; an ether carboxylate,an acid or non-acid mono- and di-ester phosphate, optionallypolyalkoxylated, an alkylmonoglycoside or alkylpolyglycoside,advantageously octylglycoside, an octylpolyglycoside, decylglycoside, adecylpolyglycoside, betaines (alkyldimethylbetaines, oralkylamidoalkyldimethylbetaines, such asalkylamidopropyldimethylbetaines).

In a particular embodiment, the composition is substantially free (lessthan 10% by weight of the total surfactant amount, preferably less than1%, preferably none) of betaine.

In a particular embodiment the composition is substantially free (lessthan 10% by weight of the total composition, preferably less than 1%,preferably none) of a humectant selected from polyhydric alcohols,polysaccharide humectants, and mixtures thereof.

The compositions of the invention can be prepared by mixing theirdifferent constituents with moderate stirring, at a temperature in therange 15° C. to 60° C. In one embodiment, the temperature is ambienttemperature (15-30° C.). The surfactant, in one embodiment, is addedafter the other components have been added and mixed. Alternatively thesurfactant or a part thereof is added during neutralization of theaminophophate or aminophosphonate. The remaining components can be addedafterwards.

In one embodiment the composition comprises the solvent. In thisembodiment the composition advantageously comprises from 1 g/L to 50 g/Lof the solvent, preferably from 5 g/L to 25 g/L of the solvent,preferably from 10 g/L to 20 g/L of the solvent.

In an exemplary embodiment the herbicidal composition as describedherein comprises: from 450 to 540 g/L of glyphosate potassium salt, andfrom 150 to 170 g/L of the alkyl dimethyl amine oxide surfactantmixture.

In another exemplary embodiment the herbicidal composition as describedherein comprises: from 450 to 540 g/L of glyphosate potassium salt, from150 to 170 g/L of the alkyl dimethyl amine oxide surfactant mixture, andfrom 1 to 50 g/L of the solvent, preferably from 5 to 25, preferablyfrom 10 to 20 g/L.

At high potassium glyphosate loads, (450 to 540 g/L of glyphosatepotassium salt, typically greater than 540 g/L) the compositioncomprises the solvent, and the ratio by weight between the solvent andthe alkyl dimethyl amine oxide surfactant mixture is of from 0.025 to0.20, typically from 0.05 to 0.15, more typically from 0.08, to 0.1.

In an embodiment the composition has a viscosity of lower than 250 cP at0° C. at 45 s−1 shear rate. In an embodiment the composition has aviscosity of lower than 250 cP at 35° C. with a Brookfield RTVviscosimeter, spindle 4 and/or 2, at 50 rpm and/or 20 rpm. In anembodiment the composition has a viscosity of lower than 250 cP at 25°C. and/or 26° C. with a Brookfield RTV viscometer, spindle 4 and/or 2,at 50 rpm and/or 20 rpm. These can be realized for compositionscomprising at least 530 g/L glyphosate potassium salt.

In an embodiment the composition has a viscosity of higher than 250 cPat 0° C. at 45 s−1 shear rate, for example higher than 1000 cP. In anembodiment the composition has a viscosity of higher than 250 cP, forexample higher than 1000 cP at 0° C. with a Brookfield RTV viscosimeter,spindle 4 and/or 2, at 50 rpm and/or 20 rpm. In an embodiment thecomposition has a viscosity of higher than 250 cP, for example higherthan 1000 cP, at 25° C. and/or 26° C. with a Brookfield RTVviscosimeter, spindle 4 and/or 2, at 50 rpm and/or 20 rpm. These can berealized for compositions comprising at least 530 g/L glyphosatepotassium salt.

The herbicidal composition of the invention can be thus used to treatplants, normally after diluting with water. The diluted composition canbe applied onto a field by any appropriate mean. The dilution, and theapplication onto the field, can be for example such that the amount ofaminophosphate or amoniphosphonate potassium salt, preferably glyphosatepotassium salt, is of from 500 g acid equivalent/ha to 1500 g acidequivalent/ha, typically from 600 to 1200 g/ha.

Experiments

Experiments were performed to illustrate the effect of the glyphosatepotassium salt formulations described herein on pH and the effect ofdifferent alkyl chain distributions in the dimethyl amine oxides on theherbicide formulation viscosity measured at 5° C.

Preparation of highly loaded glyphosate potassium salt solutions withexperimental adjuvant mixtures containing alkyl dimethyl amine oxidesurfactants was conducted to demonstrate the influence on the lowtemperature physical properties of the herbicide formulation due tochanges in final system pH or changes in alkyl chain distributions usedin the adjuvant mixtures.

Due to low water solubility of the active ingredient,“N-phosphonomethylglycine”, commonly referred to as glyphosate acid,aqueous potassium hydroxide is used to generate the highly solublepotassium salt form. Technical grade glyphosate acid was dried in avacuum oven to yield a white to off-white powder. Potassium hydroxidewas utilized for neutralization. Resulting glyphosate potassium saltsolutions were prepared having a glyphosate acid equivalent value equalto about 540 g/liter and having a pH value between about 4.5 and about5.2 when about 7 weight % of the herbicide formulation is dissolved indeionized water and measured using a pH meter at about 22° C. In severalexperiments, one herbicide sample was prepared at the lower end (i.e.4.5 to 4.8) of the pH range and a another herbicide sample was preparedat a higher pH (from about 4.8 to 5.2) to allow a comparison of thephysical properties and characteristics of the samples caused by shiftsin the formulation pH within the pH range commonly used in theagrochemical industry for preparing the glyphosate potassium salt.

Amine oxide surfactant preparations were obtained as aqueous solutions,containing between 30 and 40 weight % concentrations of various alkyldimethyl amine oxides within an alkyl chain range between C8 and C16alkyl chain length, as shown in the tables. Table 1 below illustratesthe range of materials and typical alkyl chain distributions for thediscrete amine oxides tested as well as for the combinations andmixtures of these discrete materials and any co-solvents or humectants.

Any mixed amine oxide adjuvant compositions which were not homogenous(not a single-phase mixture at 22° C.) were not incorporated into theglyphosate potassium salt herbicide formulations. Compositions shown inTable 1 were homogeneous when prepared and stored at about 22 deg C.

TABLE 1 Alkyl chain distribution for alkyl dimethyl amine oxide mixturesAdjuvant Component Designation Alkyl Chain “A” “B” “C” “D” “E” “F” “G”“H” “I” “J” “K” “L” “M” distributions % % % % % % % % % % % % % C8 >97<2 <1 <1.3 <0.5 18-24 18-24 <0.5 1.5 1.7 1.4 C10 <2 >96 <2 <1.5<2 >25 >25   <1.5 <2.1 <25.5  49 67.8 67.8  C12 <2 >97 66.5-75 62-68 >74  47-51.5 54-61 50-55 50-57 49.5 30.5   20-21.8 C14 <3   21-30 22-28<2.3 16-21 17-24 17.8-22.7 15.8-22.5 1.5 0.9 6.6-8.4 C16 <0.5 <2    8-12<0.4 6-9 <1.6 6.5-9.7 <1.5 0.25 0.15 2.4-3.6 C18 <2 <1.6 0.6

Adjuvant compositions were prepared independently from certain amineoxide surfactants (and mixtures) and were mixed with the appropriateconcentrated glyphosate potassium salt solution (determined by choice ofa product with a lower pH or higher pH target) and water and/orco-solvent in a volumetric flask to produce the finished herbicideformulations.

Table 2 shows herbicide formulations containing 540 g/L (as theglyphosate acid equivalent or “ae”) of the potassium salt of glyphosateand containing 160 g/L of the experimental adjuvant compositions. The pHwas measured following dilution of formulated herbicides into deionizedwater at 7% by weight concentration, target compositions were within thepH range between 4.5 and 5.2 at 22° C. The herbicide formulation densitywas measured using a Mettler Densito 30P handheld densitometer atambient room temperature, typically about 22° C. Typical formulationdensities were in the range 1.35 to 1.37 g/ml, and this is consistentwith expected values for high load potassium salt of glyphosatecontaining ˜540 g/l glyphosate ae.

TABLE 2 Properties of herbicide formulations containing experimentaladjuvants. (All formulations contain 540 g/L ae as glyphosatepotassium + 160 g/L adjuvant blends) Adjuvant Composition 7% pH in H2ODensity g/ml Viscosity cPs 160 g/liter Adjuvant A 5.0 1.36 73 160g/liter Adjuvant B 4.9 1.36 94 160 g/liter Adjuvant C 5.1 gel gel 160g/liter Adjuvant E 5.0 gel gel 160 g/L Adjuvant K 4.7 1.35 64 160 g/LAdjuvant K 4.8 1.36 214 160 g/L Adjuvant K 5.0 1.36 315 160 g/L AdjuvantL 4.7 1.35 55 160 g/L Adjuvant M 4.7 1.35 46 160 g/L Adjuvant M 5.0 1.3652 160 g/L Adjuvant F 4.6 1.36 174 160 g/L Adjuvant F 5.0 1.36 2500 160g/L Adjuvant G 5.0 1.36 755

Viscosity was measured at 5° C. sample temperature using a BrookfieldDV-III Plus rheometer equipped with a small sample adapter and chilledwater supply to maintain the desired low temperature during themeasurements. Brookfield spindle SC4-18 was used at a rotational speedsufficient to result in a shear rate between 15 and 40 s⁻¹. Viscosityresult is reported in centipoise units at a shear rate of 30 s⁻¹ unlessotherwise stated. Some sample measurements were not obtained due to thephysical state of the sample being a gel when it was produced.

As shown in Tables 1 and 2, the use of the discrete C8 or C10 alkyldimethyl amine oxide (adjuvant A or adjuvant B) does not result in thelow temperature gel formation noted with the C12 or higher alkyl chainlengths in the high load glyphosate potassium formation. Inclusion ofthe C8 or C10 alkyl fraction at a low level reduces the tendency to gel.It can be seen that higher pH can contribute to developing higherviscosity in some samples. Use of broader range of alkyl chain(increasing C14 and C16 content) reduces the tendency of gelling and thesensitivity of changes in pH (as in comparison of adjuvant F andadjuvant G).

Experiments done to show the effect of different alkyl chaindistributions in the dimethyl amine oxides on the glyphosate potassiumsalt formulation viscosity measured at different temperatures and thebiological efficacy of the different formulations containing theexperimental adjuvants when tested on susceptible vegetation.

The compositions in Table 3, below, were prepared as follows (ae standsfor acid equivalent): Samples of 50 mL each were prepared in volumeflasks, individually neutralized. Tap water is used. Viscosity atdifferent temperatures was measured (Brookfield RVT, spindle 2, 20 rpm):

TABLE 3 Formulation ID Adjuvant used Active AP8-14-144A 160 g/l AdjuvantJ + 50 g/l MPG Gly K 540ae AP8-14-146A 160 g/l Adjuvant G + 50 g/l MPGGly K 540ae AP10-319C 160 g/l Adjuvant I Gly K 540ae AP8-14-321A 160 g/lAdjuvant H Gly K 540ae

Referring to Tables 4-8, below, viscosity profiles were tested forstability, including low temperature stability. The viscosity of thecomposition is measured at the stated temperatures, with a RVTBrookfield Viscosimeter, Spindle No. 2, at 20 rpm. Stability (e.g.,Crystallization) is evaluated after 1 week at room temperature (“RT”).

Key:

UTC=Untreated control

AP8-14-144A=contains 160 g/L Adujvant “J”+50 g/L monopropylene glycol

AP8-14-146A=contains 160 g/L Adjuvant “G”+50 g/L monopropylene glycol

AP10-14-319C=contains 160 g/L Adjuvant “I”

AP10-14-321A=contains 160 g/L Adjuvant “H”

RT=Room Temperature (approx. 21° C.)

N/A=Not Applicable

SG=Specific Gravity

TBC=To be confirmed

TABLE 4 Viscosity Temperature Profile Viscosity (Centipoise) RVT Spindle2, Speed 20 AP10-14- Temp AP8-14-144A AP8-14-146A AP10-14-319C 321A 20°C. 89 72 84 109 15° C. 113 91 100 118 10° C. 134 112 109 128  5° C. 159127 125 164

The viscosity of the composition is measured at the stated temperatures,with a RVT Brookfield Viscometer, Spindle No. 2, at 20 rpm. Stability(e.g., Crystallization, or stable/liquid) is evaluated after 1 week atroom temperature (“RT”).

TABLE 5 Physical Stability after Accelerated Storage and roomtemperature storage. Physical Observation Formulation # Fresh 2weeks/54° C. 2 weeks/RT 8 weeks/RT 12 weeks/RT AP8-14-144A Clear,Slightly viscous liquid Stable/Liquid Stable/Liquid Stable/LiquidStable/Liquid AP8-14-146A Clear, Slightly viscous liquid Stable/LiquidStable/Liquid Stable/Liquid Stable/Liquid AP10-14-319C Clear, Slightlyviscous liquid Stable/Liquid Stable/Liquid Stable/Liquid Stable/LiquidAP10-14-321A Clear, Slightly viscous liquid Stable/Liquid Stable/LiquidStable/Liquid Stable/Liquid

TABLE 6 Physical Stability after Low Temperature Storage PhysicalObservation Formula- 1 week/0° C. + 1 week/−5° C. + 1 week/−10 1week/−10° C. + tion # 1 week/0° C. seed 1 week/−5° C. seed ° C. seedAP8-14- Stable/Liquid Stable/Liquid Stable/Liquid Stable/LiquidStable/Liquid Stable/Liquid 144A AP8-14- Stable/Liquid Stable/LiquidStable/Liquid Stable/Liquid Stable/Liquid Stable/Liquid 146A AP10-Stable/Liquid Stable/Liquid Stable/Liquid Stable/Liquid Stable/LiquidStable/Liquid 14-319C AP10- Stable/Liquid Stable/Liquid Stable/LiquidStable/Liquid Stable/Liquid Crystalized 14-321A after 4 days

TABLE 7 pH Analysis after Accelerated Storage of Final Product (neat)AP8-14- AP8- 144A AP8-14-146A AP10-319C 14-321A Fresh 5.06 5.06 5.005.03 2 weeks/54° C. 5.11 5.13 TBC TBC 1 week/0° C. 5.10 5.07 TBC TBC 2weeks RT 5.06 5.06 5.00 5.03

TABLE 8 Specific Gravity Measurements AP8-14-144A AP8-14-146A AP10-319CAP8-14-321A SG 1.354 1.352 1.354 1.354

TABLE 9 Evaluation of novel high load glyphosate formulations for weedcontrol in fallow Pest Type Weed Weed Weed Pest Scientific EchinochloaEchinochloa Echinochloa Name crus-ga. crus-ga. crus-ga. OryzicolaOryzicola Oryzicola Part Rated plagr p plagr p plagr p Rating Unit %(weed % (weed % (weed control) control) control) Number of 1 1 1Subsamples Days After 7 7 14 14 24 24 First/Last Application Trt-Eval 7DA-A 14 DA-A 24 DA-A Interval Trt Treatment Rate No. Name Rate Unit 1Untreated 0.0 0.0 Check 2 Gladiator 500 ml/ha 60.0 67.5 65.0 Optimax 3Gladiator 1000 ml/ha 81.7 83.3 81.7 Optimax 4 AP8-13- 500 ml/ha 33.325.0 23.3 129B 5 AP8-13- 1000 ml/ha 46.7 58.3 51.7 129B 6 AP8-13- 500ml/ha 36.7 35.0 43.3 129C 7 AP8-13- 1000 ml/ha 40.0 56.7 53.3 129C 8AP8-13- 500 ml/ha 33.3 40.0 45.0 1290 9 AP8-13- 1000 ml/ha 65.0 72.570.0 1290 10 AP8-13- 500 ml/ha 36.7 43.3 30.0 130B 11 AP8-13- 1000 ml/ha68.3 68.3 71.7 130B 12 AP8-13- 500 ml/ha 36.7 48.3 45.0 130C 13 AP8-13-1000 ml/ha 66.7 65.0 71.7 130C 14 AP8-13- 500 ml/ha 30.0 26.7 25.0 130E15 AP8-13- 1000 ml/ha 56.7 56.7 56.7 130E

The codes from Table 9 are as follows:

-   -   AP8-13-129B: C8 Amine oxide

(Contains adjuvant composition A from table 1)

-   -   AP8-13-129: C10 Amine oxide

(Contains adjuvant composition A from table 1)

-   -   AP8-13-129D: C10 Amine oxide+C12, C14 Amine oxides+Glycerine        (40/55/5%, respectively)

(Contains 40% of adjuvant composition B from table 1;

Contains 55% of adjuvant composition D from table 1;

And 5% glycerine)

-   -   AP8-13-130B: C10 Amine oxide+C12, C14, C16 Amine        oxides+Glycerine (40/55/5%, respectively)

(Contains 40% of adjuvant composition B from table 1;

Contains 55% of adjuvant composition E from table 1; and

And 5% glycerine)

-   -   AP8-13-1300: C10 Amine oxide+C12 Amine oxide (40/60%,        respectively)

(Contains 40% of adjuvant composition B from table 1; and

Contains 60% of adjuvant composition C from table 1)

-   -   AP8-13-130E: C8 Amine oxide+C10 Amine oxide 30/70%,        respectively)

(Contains 30% of adjuvant composition A from table 1; and

Contains 70% of adjuvant composition B from table 1)

As can be seen in Table 9, the high load glyphosate formulationscontaining the alkyl dimethyl amine oxide surfactant mixture mixed amineoxide as descried herein (namely, AP8-13-129D, AP8-13-130B, AP8-13-1300)performed significantly better than having a C8,C10 dimethyl amine oxidesurfactants along or in combination (namely, -AP8-13-129B, -AP8-13-1290,AP8-13-130E). AP8-13-129D, AP8-13-130B or AP8-13-1300 showed a % weedcontrol up to 70% greater than -AP8-13-129B, -AP8-13-1290 orAP8-13-130E.

What is claimed is:
 1. An aqueous herbicidal composition comprising:equal or greater than 540 g/L acid equivalent (ae) of anaminophosphonate potassium salt or aminophosphinate potassium salt; analkyl dimethyl amine oxide surfactant mixture comprising: (i) a firstalkyl dimethyl amine oxide surfactant present in an amount greater than97% by weight of total alkyl dimethyl amine oxide surfactant mixture,the first alkyl dimethyl amine oxide surfactant of the formula:R1-N⁺(CH₃)₂—O⁻ wherein R1 is a linear or branched alkyl group having 8carbon atoms; and (ii) a second alkyl dimethyl amine oxide surfactantpresent in an amount less than 2% by weight of total alkyl dimethylamine oxide surfactant mixture, the second alkyl dimethyl amine oxide ofthe formula:R2-N⁺(CH₃)₂—O⁻ wherein R2 is a linear or branched alkyl group having 10carbon atoms; and optionally, a solvent, and wherein the composition:(A) is free of betaine and N-methyl pyrrolidone; (B) has a pH between4.5 and 5.2 at 22° C. when diluted to 7% by weight concentration withdeionized water; (C) has a viscosity of less than 300 centipoise at atemperature at or less than 20° C.; and (D) comprises 100 g/L or more ofthe alkyl dimethyl amine oxide surfactant mixture.
 2. The composition ofclaim 1 wherein the mixture is present at equal or greater than 120 g/L.3. The composition of claim 1 wherein the mixture is present at equal orgreater than 160 g/L.
 4. The composition of claim 1 wherein the solventis present and comprises at least one of propylene glycol, glycerine orethylene glycol.
 5. The composition of claim 1 whereby the compositionis stable at a temperature of equal or less than 0° C.
 6. Thecomposition of claim 1 whereby the composition is stable at atemperature of equal or less than −10° C.
 7. The composition of claim 1whereby the composition is stable at a temperature of equal or less than−15° C.
 8. A method for regulating plant growth comprising contactingthe aqueous herbicidal composition of claim 1 with a plant.
 9. A methodof imparting low temperature stability to a high load aqueous herbicidalcomposition of an aminophosphonate potassium salt or aminophosphinatepotassium salt comprising preparing the composition of claim 1, whereinthe composition has a viscosity of less than 300 centipoise at atemperature at or less than 20° C., 15° C., 10° C., or 5° C.
 10. Anaqueous herbicidal composition comprising: equal or greater than 540 g/Lacid equivalent (ae) of an aminophosphonate potassium salt oraminophosphinate potassium salt; an alkyl dimethyl amine oxidesurfactant mixture comprising: (i) a first alkyl dimethyl amine oxidesurfactant present in an amount less than 2% by weight of total alkyldimethyl amine oxide surfactant mixture, the first alkyl dimethyl amineoxide surfactant of the formula:R1-N⁺(CH₃)₂—O⁻ wherein R1 is a linear or branched alkyl group having 8carbon atoms; and (ii) a second alkyl dimethyl amine oxide surfactantpresent in an amount greater than 96% by weight of total alkyl dimethylamine oxide surfactant mixture, the second alkyl dimethyl amine oxidesurfactant of the formula:R2-N⁺(CH₃)₂—O⁻ wherein R2 is a linear or branched alkyl group having 10carbon atoms; and optionally, a solvent, and wherein the composition:(A) is free of betaine and N-methyl pyrrolidone; (B) has a pH between4.5 and 5.2 at 22° C. when diluted to 7% by weight concentration withdeionized water; (C) has a viscosity of less than 300 centipoise at atemperature at or less than 20° C.; and (D) comprises 100 g/L or more ofthe alkyl dimethyl amine oxide surfactant mixture.